March 2023
Ruchika Talwar, Oncology Fellow
Hi Ruchi, we are excited to get to know more about you. The entire department is thrilled to have you join after fellowship and stay in Nashville! First, tell us about yourself, where you grew up, and your journey to becoming a urologic oncology fellow.
Hi Bashir, I'm super excited to be here for fellowship and beyond! I was born in Brooklyn, moved around the Northeast a ton early on but settled in central New Jersey as a child - I'm a Jersey girl, for sure! I didn't venture too far for residency, training at the University of Pennsylvania in Philly before moving to Nashville.
Interestingly, as an MS4, I was leaning towards pediatric urology, but very quickly into intern year, I realized that I was naturally drawn to urologic oncology. I loved the big abdominal, pelvic, and retroperitoneal cases, but most importantly, I found oncology clinic to be the most enjoyable. I really looked up to the surgical aptitude and skill of one of my attendings who was a very high volume uro-onc, and hoped to emulate his confidence and finesse in my career as a surgeon. Academically, my mind was most stimulated by oncology related research questions, and from a health policy perspective, I found myself very passionate about improving the quality of cancer care we provide. So, all in all, it was the perfect fit!
How was the transition for your husband and you to Nashville? Was it what you expected it to be?
It's funny... whenever you think you have life planned out, it throws you a curve ball. Both Akaash (my husband) and I are from NJ, and all of our family is there, so we planned to have a fun two-year adventure out in Nashville and go back to the Philly area for my attending job. I was actually very nervous about Akaash's adjustment to the South. But, just a few days here, and he absolutely loved it! People are SO friendly, the weather is more pleasant (aside from the summer humidity at times), the pace of life is a bit more relaxed, and the culture is so collaborative! I definitely did not expect to love Nashville as much as we do!
When not in the operating room or answering EPIC messages, what are you doing for fun?
Hitting the Broadway bars with you!!! Just kidding - the bars in East are way better 🙂
Post-residency, I'm really excited to have gotten back into yoga, which was something I had done for years before training. I mostly do Hot 26 classes at least 2-3 times per week, which are a great workout, but also an awesome way for me to decompress both mentally and physically. I also love to eat... and I'm always scoping out the newest restaurants and bars around the city. One thing that I'd like to do more now that we are settled is check out the live music scene. There's a lot more than just country music here! Although, I hate to admit it... but country is growing on me a bit...
We heard that you are the Queen of East Nashville, and we want to know where to get a bite/drink when we are there.
Haha East Nasty is the best! It really depends on the mood - some of my favorite restaurants are: Red Headed Stanger (props to Lani for taking me there, it was literally life changing!), 2Chefs Peruvian, Butcher & Bee, Lyra, Maiz De La Vida and Tootsie's Tacos. Similarly, the bars really vary by vibe, but I love Attaboy for bespoke cocktails, Up/Down for good beers and arcade games, and Chopper for Tiki drinks. But nothing beats the rotating cocktail menu at Rohan's!
What are your favorite things about Vanderbilt that you are most excited to stay for as an attending?
Number one - the people! The attendings here are some of the most amazing, supportive mentors and sponsors I have ever worked with. They each have a unique niche, but they're all so invested in your success and helping you pave a path that is in line with your specific career goals. The culture here is really amazing, unlike anything I've ever experienced before. The team spirit doesn't stop with urology though - I've been working with people from across the university and cancer center on academic pursuits, and it's clear that Vanderbilt a whole is very welcoming and collaborative. I also love that urology has a large presence within health system leadership - both in VUMC and the VICC. That's very unique in the world of academic centers, and I'm excited to be spending time as an attending on the value-based care transformation that urology has been leading at the systems level! I feel lucky to be joining a group that understands and values health policy work.
In an alternate reality, what would you be doing if being a physician was not an option?
I would 100% be a chef. I am obsessed with cooking shows, and I love experimenting and trying out new recipes! I actually think working in a kitchen is similar to operating in an OR, similar level of intensity, teamwork, and pride in your craft. Plus, I'd get to eat great food!
Rapid-fire question time
Recent favorite book? Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino
Backstreet boys vs. 'N Sync? I know we had a blast at the BSB concert, but I was always an 'N Sync girl at heart (#TeamJustin)
Recent Favorite show? As you know, I watch WAY more TV than I should! Currently binging Outer Banks S3. Good ones I recently finished: Jack Ryan, White Lotus, Ginny and Georgia, Never Have I Ever
A favorite dish in Nashville? Tie between the Whipped Feta at Butcher & Bee, and an X-mas style Crunchwrap from Red Headed Stranger!
Favorite case? RPLND
Who are you taking to the Beyonce concert this summer??? YOU! And my sister, who is flying in for it. The only person more excited for this concert than me is Taryn!
Interview conducted by Bashir Al Hussein Al Awamlh, MD